Pedestrian Accident Statute of Limitations in Nevada
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences are often severe. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no physical protection from the impact, which is why injuries can be severe and potentially catastrophic. Victims may face extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and unexpected financial strain. Families may be left wondering how to pay for treatment or what legal steps to follow.
According to Nevada’s most current Traffic Safety Crash Facts report, pedestrians accounted for nearly one-quarter of traffic fatalities statewide in a five-year period. The vast majority of pedestrian deaths during that time ― 73.5 percent ― occurred in Clark County, home to Las Vegas and its sprawling metro area.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we represent those harmed in pedestrian accidents across Nevada. Our team helps accident victims understand their rights, file personal injury claims, and pursue compensation within Nevada’s statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents. Acting promptly after the accident occurred is critical because missing a filing deadline could prevent you from recovering damages.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, our attorneys are here to guide you. From filing insurance claims to preparing for trial, we handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Providing Legal Support for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Being injured in a pedestrian accident can leave you with questions about your health, finances, and future. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we focus on helping victims and families understand their legal rights while ensuring no step in the process is overlooked.
- Clear Guidance on Nevada Law: We explain how the pedestrian accident statute of limitations in Nevada applies to your case so you do not miss critical deadlines.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team thoroughly examines the accident scene, reviews police reports, and verifies the status of traffic signals and signs to understand how the accident occurred.
- Strong Evidence Collection: We secure medical records, witness statements, and other documentation needed to prove negligence and support your claim.
- Insurance Company Representation: We communicate directly with the insurance company, protecting you from pressure to accept a settlement that is less than fair.
- Court Representation When Necessary: If negotiation does not resolve your case, we are prepared to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Nevada.
- Proving Fault: We analyze whether distracted driving, speeding, or violations of traffic laws contributed to the accident.
- Pursuing Full Compensation: Our goal is to help you seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Time Limit to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in NV
Nevada’s statute of limitations laws place specific time limits on your ability to file certain types of lawsuits in civil court. You have just two years to file a pedestrian accident claim in Nevada.
The two-year window for legal action begins on the date of the pedestrian accident. This means the clock started ticking from the moment you were injured.
If you attempt to file your claim after the legal statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your lawsuit, and you will lose your right to demand money for your losses. However, judges may grant exceptions to this rule in certain situations.
Filing a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in Nevada
Filing a lawsuit may feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, the process becomes more manageable. A pedestrian accident lawyer from THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can explain each step and file your case before the Nevada pedestrian accident claim deadline expires.
1. Investigation
Collecting evidence from the accident scene, including police reports, traffic signs, photos, and witness statements.
2. Complaint
Filing the formal document in court that starts your case.
3. Discovery
Both sides exchange information such as medical records and accident reports.
4. Negotiation
Working with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement.
5. Trial
If no agreement is reached, your case may go before a judge or jury.
Every pedestrian accident case is different. Some resolve quickly, while others take longer, especially if the insurance company disputes fault or the extent of damages. Having a personal injury lawyer for a pedestrian accident in NV by your side means you are not facing these challenges alone.
What Circumstances Could Affect the Statute of Limitations?
In some cases, the court may decide the standard two-year timeline for a pedestrian accident case does not apply. If circumstances prevent victims from recognizing their grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, the statute of limitations can be “tolled,” or paused.
The personal injury statute of limitations in Nevada may be tolled after a pedestrian accident if:
- The “discovery rule” applies. Some pedestrian accident injuries may not be immediately obvious. If a pedestrian is unaware that they suffered an injury after a crash, the discovery rule says the two-year statute of limitations starts on the date the victim learns of their injury.
- The victim was a minor. If a minor sustains an injury in a Nevada pedestrian accident, the statute of limitations can be tolled until their 18th birthday. The clock to file an injury lawsuit stops ticking when they turn 20.
- The victim was mentally incompetent. If a pedestrian accident victim is mentally incapable of comprehending or pursuing legal action, the two-year statute of limitations can be tolled until the victim regains their mental capacity.
Pedestrian Laws in Nevada
Drivers and pedestrians have specific duties to keep themselves and others safe. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles outlines the following pedestrian traffic laws and regulations.
Drivers must:
- Exercise reasonable care at all times to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Yield to blind pedestrians at all times, who may be identified by their white canes or service animals.
- Slow down or stop before passing another vehicle that has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.
- Wait for all pedestrians, including crossing guards, to clear the road ahead before proceeding.
Pedestrians must:
- Use sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian bridges or tunnels whenever possible.
- Walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic, when no sidewalks are available.
- Obey all traffic control signs, signals, and devices.
- Walk within the right side of crosswalks when possible.
- Not cross intersections diagonally unless pavement markings or other pedestrian walkways specifically allow it.
- Walk into the path of an oncoming vehicle without giving the driver time to slow down or stop.
Important note: Crosswalks legally exist at all intersections, even if painted markings exist on the pavement.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation in Nevada
Compensation in a pedestrian accident injury claim in Nevada may cover:
- Hospital and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages and reduced ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Long-term care needs
- Funeral costs in wrongful death cases
Your right to recovery depends on proving that another party was at fault. Nevada uses a comparative negligence rule. This means if a distracted pedestrian shares some blame, damages may be reduced but not necessarily denied. A personal injury lawyer helps you understand how these rules apply. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we work to show how the accident happened, prove negligence, and protect your right to a fair settlement.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Nevada Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is killed in a crash, families may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The Nevada pedestrian wrongful death statute of limitations gives most families two years from the date of death to take action.
Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to pursue damages for funeral expenses and other damages. If the accident happened because of reckless driving, drunk driving, or failure to obey traffic signals, the driver may be held accountable through both civil and criminal law.
Families often feel unsure about the legal procedures after such a tragedy. A personal injury attorney at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys can help explain your rights and make sure the case is filed within Nevada’s time limits.
Pursuing a wrongful death case cannot undo the loss, but it can provide some measure of financial security for those left behind. Acting within the Nevada pedestrian accident statute of limitations is explained as the only way to preserve these claims.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas and Other Areas of Nevada
Pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas occur frequently due to heavy traffic, crowded crosswalks, and drivers who fail to follow traffic laws. Across Nevada, pedestrian accidents occur for many reasons, including:
- Distracted driving caused by phones or in-car screens
- Speeding through intersections or ignoring traffic signs
- Failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Malfunctioning traffic signals or poorly marked intersections
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
When an accident occurs, the accident scene must be carefully examined. Photos, witness accounts, and police reports can help prove how the crash happened. These details matter when determining the liable party.
Nevada law allows injured pedestrians or their families to take legal action against the at-fault party. By working with a pedestrian accident Nevada lawyer, you increase your chance of receiving the financial compensation needed to recover.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Nevada
Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can protect your health and your rights. If you were hit by a car in Nevada, follow these steps:
- Get medical attention right away.
- Report the accident to the police and request an official report.
- Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness names, and details about traffic signals.
- Avoid discussing fault with the insurance company until you speak with a lawyer.
- Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in Nevada at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys for guidance.
These legal steps after a pedestrian accident in Nevada help preserve your claim and protect you from missing the Nevada pedestrian accident claim deadline. The earlier you take action, the stronger your case may be.
What Happens if You Miss the Pedestrian Accident Deadline in Nevada
Missing the Nevada pedestrian crash lawsuit deadline can have serious consequences. Courts are strict about the personal injury filing deadline, and if the time passes, your claim will likely be dismissed.
The pedestrian lawsuit clock in Nevada runs steadily from the date of the accident. While some exceptions may exist, most people cannot file a claim after the statute of limitations expires for a pedestrian accident in Nevada. If your pedestrian injury deadline is approaching, take action now. Waiting too long could mean the legal time is running out, leaving you without options.
If you fear you may have missed the deadline, consult with a Nevada pedestrian accident attorney immediately. Sometimes, even if time has almost expired, filing quickly may preserve your claim. The most important step is not to delay.
Call Our Nevada Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Help You with Personal Injury Claims
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we know how difficult life becomes after an accident. Recovering from pedestrian accident injuries, dealing with the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death lawsuit, or struggling with the insurance company are difficult to process alone. That’s why our attorneys are ready to help.
We handle all types of personal injury cases, including those involving pedestrians and car accidents. We understand Nevada law, the two-year statute, and how to make sure your case is filed before the Nevada pedestrian accident statute of limitations expires.
Do not wait until the statute expires for pedestrian accidents in Nevada. Every day matters when building a strong personal injury case. Call us at (702) 478-2266 for a free consultation or complete our online form for a free case review. We discuss your rights, your deadlines, and your options for pursuing fair compensation.